Independent Contractor Network Engineer Jobs in Arizona

The Access Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and support of local and wide area network infrastructure, communication systems, and broadband access technologies. This role supports network reliability, performance, scalability, and security while providing technical expertise for operational support, engineering projects, and strategic growth initiatives.

This position may be filled at the Access Network Engineer I, II, or III level based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, certifications, and demonstrated competencies.

Job Type: Full-time

Rate (by level): 

Level I: $65,000 – $85,000
Level II: $86,000 – $105,000
Level III: $106,000 – $120,000

Location: Hybrid in office in Maricopa, AZ

Responsibilities include:

• Design, configure, deploy, maintain, and optimize network infrastructure including routers, switches, OLTs, ONTs, wireless systems, firewalls, and security appliances.
• Support broadband access technologies including CMTS, GPON, DOCSIS, Ethernet, RF, optical transport, and IP networking.
• Execute manual and automated testing to validate network functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues, analyze traffic patterns, and perform root cause analysis for service-affecting events.
• Design and maintain secure network architectures, segmentation strategies, and security policies.
• Configure and support routing, switching, VPN, DNS, DHCP, TACACS, RADIUS, and related network services.
• Develop and maintain network documentation including diagrams, methods of procedure (MOPs), incident reports, and change records.
• Provide Tier III technical support to Network Operations Center (NOC) personnel and field technicians.
• Manage assigned projects and support network expansion, modernization, and optimization initiatives.
• Perform network audits and ensure compliance with established standards, policies, and configuration guidelines.
• Support capacity planning, network growth forecasting, and infrastructure lifecycle management.
• Evaluate, recommend, and support procurement of network technologies and equipment.
• Communicate technical standards and best practices to internal stakeholders and technical teams.

A successful Network Engineer will have:

• Knowledge of Ethernet, IP, GPON, DOCSIS, RF, optical transport, and broadband access technologies.
• Experience with routing and switching technologies including OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VLANs, VPNs, and network security protocols.
• Knowledge of Internet services and supporting technologies including DNS, DHCP, HTTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP, and NTP.
• Experience with OTDR testing and interpretation of fiber traces.
• Understanding of network security principles including authentication, encryption, access control, segmentation, and secure network design.
• Experience using network analysis and monitoring tools such as Wireshark, TCPDump, and SNMP-based monitoring platforms.
• Ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure, and highly available network environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and evolving business requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, JNCIA, or equivalent networking certifications preferred.
• Service provider, telecommunications, broadband, or enterprise networking experience preferred.
• Experience installing, configuring, and supporting telecommunications and network infrastructure.

Level Placement Guidelines:

Level I

• Typically possesses 1+ years of relevant networking experience.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of network engineering principles and broadband technologies.
• Performs implementation, troubleshooting, and support activities with guidance from senior engineers.
• Contributes to network operations, documentation, testing, and project execution.

Level II

• Typically possesses 5+ years of relevant networking experience.
• Demonstrates advanced technical knowledge and works independently on complex network engineering tasks.
• Designs, implements, and supports scalable network solutions that align with operational and business objectives.
• Serves as a technical resource for troubleshooting, optimization, and infrastructure improvement initiatives.

Level III

• Typically possesses 8+ years of relevant networking experience.
• Recognized subject matter expert in broadband access, routing, switching, security, and network architecture.
• Leads complex engineering initiatives, network modernization efforts, and strategic infrastructure planning.
• Provides technical leadership, mentors engineering staff, and establishes engineering standards and best practices.
• Influences long-term network architecture, capacity planning, technology selection, and business strategy.

Final placement and compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, certifications, and demonstrated competencies.

Benefits:

• Family Medical (3 plans to choose from), Dental and Vision
• Company funded HSA
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Company Paid Long Term Disability with Voluntary option
• Company Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life as well as Voluntary policies
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

When you join Orbitel Communications...

You'll be joining an award-winning company and team.  We also believe in giving back to the community and we want our employees to have the opportunity to do so.  We provide an environment that gives each employee the opportunity to nurture their gifts and achieve their potential.  For more information, go to www.schurzchoice.com. 

Schurz Communications and its subsidiaries strategic objectives:

• We will attract, invest in, communicate with, and retain top talent. 
• We will innovate, partner, experiment and create a better future together. 
• We strive to continuously improve operating performance to ensure sustained growth. 
• We will dynamically grow revenues by building and nurturing mutually beneficial and profitable customer relationships.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is:

• Regularly required to talk and hear
• Required to use hands to type, handle objects and paperwork
• Required to use close vision and be able to focus
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Work schedules may adjust based on business need

The employee generally works in an indoor environment.